Gun Mounting Device

ABSTRACT

A gun mounting device comprising a gun rest bridge and a C-clamp. The gun rest bridge comprising a central beam horizontally extending between a pair of cradle bars, and a pair of cradle rests atop said pair of cradle bars, where said pair of cradle rests are U-shaped to accept a barrel of a gun. The C-clamp attached beneath said central beam, where said C-clamp comprises a pair of arms to receive a support item into a central portion of said C-clamp, where said pair of arms include a first arm and a second arm; a clamp rod threaded through said first arm; a turning handle connected to said clamp rod; and a grip pad connected to said clamp rod opposite to said turning handle wherein said turning handle rotates to move said grip pad towards said second arm to secure said C-clamp against said support item.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable gun rest able to attach to a variety of support items wherein the gun rest secures a barrel of a gun against the rest to better stabilize the gun during use.

2. Description of Related Art

Avid hunters commonly use accessories and support devices during their hunting expeditions. While these products are widely available they are often including many pieces, are complicated to use and difficult to assemble. Specifically, rifle mounts are used by many hunters to aid in barrel alignment and shot accuracy. The rifle mounts are devices used to support the rifle barrel by providing a resting spot and brace for the hunter. When the hunter lines up their shot, the rifle mounts provide stability beneath the hunter's gun to prevent shifting and movement when taking a shot. While the rifle mounts do offer assistance to the hunter, they are often heavy, difficult to assemble and essentially comprise too many parts to be easily transporting while hunting.

Examples of the rifle mounts currently available are as follows. U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,740 by Lewis L. Rather discloses a multi-functional variable position rifle and camera mount wherein a mounting device is able to attach to a hunting stand or other hunting structure. The mounting device is able to interchange between supporting a camera or a gun. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,687 by James F. Looney discloses a gun rest wherein a gun supporting device is attached to a table-like platform. While these devices do provide support for a rifle they are large and cumbersome to use. Alternatively, U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,465 by Jesse E. Holmes discloses a rifle mount wherein two support legs are assembled to support the barrel of a rifle. The support legs rest against the thighs of a user to allow the hunter to sit, place the rifle mount against their lap and then rest the rifle barrel within the supports. This device is easier to use than the common rifle mounts but the stability of the device relies on the lap of the person which may not be the most stable structure.

It would be beneficial in the art to provide a rifle mount that is portable and easy to use. It would also be desirable in the art to provide a rifle mount that enables a user to attach the mount to a variety of different support items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a portable gun rest able to attach to a variety of support items wherein the gun rest secures a barrel of a gun against the rest to better stabilize the gun during use.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gun mount that is portable and easily configured for a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gun mount that enables the user to easily attach the gun mount to many different hunting structures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gun mount that allows the mount to convert between attaching to a top portion of the support items or a side portion of the support item.

To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, a gun mounting device comprising a gun rest bridge and a C-clamp is disclosed. The gun rest bridge comprising a central beam horizontally extending between a pair of cradle bars, and a pair of cradle rests atop said pair of cradle bars, where said pair of cradle rests are U-shaped to accept a barrel of a gun. The C-clamp attached beneath said central beam, where said C-clamp comprises a pair of arms to receive a support item into a central portion of said C-clamp, where said pair of arms include a first arm and a second arm; a clamp rod threaded through said first arm; a turning handle connected to said clamp rod; and a grip pad connected to said clamp rod opposite to said turning handle wherein said turning handle rotates to move said grip pad towards said second arm to secure said C-clamp against said support item.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a gun mounting device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a user and a gun mounting device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a gun mounting device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a user and a gun mounting device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention relates to a portable gun rest able to attach to a variety of support items wherein the gun rest secures a barrel of a gun against the rest to better stabilize the gun during use. The present invention provides a gun mounting device as a way to securely hold a rifle during hunting and ensure an accurate shot at a target. The gun mounting device essentially comprises a gun rest bridge attached by an attaching bolt to a C-clamp. The attaching bolt allows the gun rest bridge to turn and swivel on the C-clamp for adjustable aiming of the rifle while hunting. The C-clamp easily attaches to hunting structures to enable the user to mount their rifle in a variety of locations to provide a solid base upon which to rest the gun. The gun mounting device ensures optimal mobility and control over their firearm beneficial to beginner and professional hunters alike.

Tuning now descriptively to the drawings, referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a gun mounting device (100) is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gun mounting device (100) includes a gun rest bridge comprising a central beam (102) that extends horizontally between a pair of cradle bars (104 a, 104 b). The pair of cradle bars (104 a, 104 b) rise vertically from opposing ends of the central beam (102). The central beam (102) serves as a bridge between the pair of cradle bars (104 a, 104 b) to maintain their separation and support. Resting atop the pair of cradle bars (104 a, 104 b) are a pair of cradle rests (106 a, 106 b) (hereinafter cradle rests). The cradle rests (106 a, 106 b) are U-shaped with the opening of the U in line with the central beam (102). During use a user places the barrel of a gun within the cradle rests (106 a, 106 b) so that it rests parallel to the central beam (102).

Attached centrally beneath the central beam (102) is a receiving platform (108). The receiving platform (108) provides an attachment point for the central beam (102) to connect to a lower portion of the gun mounting device (100). An attachment bolt (112) with a top attached swivel head (110) is secured within the receiving platform (108) to attach the central beam (102) to the lower portion of the gun mounting device (100). The receiving platform (108) accepts the swivel head (110) to allow the central beam (102) to rotate freely upon the attachment bolt (112). The user may rotate the central beam (102) 360° around the attachment bolt (112) to enable either of the cradle rests (106 a, 106 b) to be the most forward facing during use.

Accordingly, the lower portion of the gun mounting device (102) is predominantly composed of a C-clamp (114). The attachment bolt (112) is attached to a central portion of the C-clamp (114). The attachment bolt (112) may rise perpendicularly from the C-clamp (114) or alternatively the attachment bolt (112) may rise at an angle for an angular shot angle when using the attached gun.

Accordingly, the C-clamp (114) includes a pair of arms (116 a, 116 b), a first arm (116 a) and a second arm (116 b), that may point vertically away from the central beam (102). Threaded through the first arm (116 a) is a clamp rod (118). The clamp rod (118) is centrally threaded to engage the first arm (116 a) and enable the clamp rod (118) to rotate in and out of an inner portion (124) of the C-clamp (114).

The portion of the clamp rod (118) within the inner portion (124) of the C-clamp (114) is a grip pad (120). The opposing end of the clamp rod (118) from the grip pad (120) is a turning handle (122). As the user rotates the turning handle (122) in one direction, the grip pad (120) extends further into the inner portion (124) towards the second arm (116 b). Likewise, when the turning handle (122) is turned in the opposite direction the grip pad (120) moves away from the second arm (116 b).

During use, the user inserts a support item into the inner portion (124) and then rotates the turning handle (122) until the grip pad (120) reaches the support item. The grip pad (120) and the second arm (116 b) engage the support item within the inner portion (124) to attach the gun mounting device (100) to the support item. The support item may be a box stand, tripod stand, tree climbing stand, truck tailgate, fence, chair, gate, hunting blind or any other reasonable object that may be inserted into between the pair arms (116 a, 116 b) of the C-clamp (114).

With the clamp rod (118) aligned horizontally with the ground, the gun mounting device (100) is in a horizontal mounting position. The horizontal mounting position allows the support item to insert into the gun mounting device (100) from below in a vertical direction. Also, when in the horizontal mounting position the gun mounting device (100) attaches to a top portion of the support item.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a user (170) with the gun mounting device (100) is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a gun (150) placed within the gun rest bridge of the gun mounting device (100). The gun mounting device (100) is secured to a support item (160) allowing the user (170) to rest the gun (150) atop the gun mounting device (100). The user (170) may then concentrate on aiming without focusing on holding and balancing the gun (150).

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a gun mounting device (200) is shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The gun mounting device (200) comprises the same list of elements as the first embodiment including a central beam (202) between a pair of cradle bars (204 a, 104 b) with top attached cradle rests (206 a, 206 b); a receiving platform (208) attached to an attachment bolt (212) with a top swivel head (210); a C-clamp (214) with a pair of arms (216 a, 216 b); a clamp rod (218) threaded through the first arm (216 a) with a grip pad (220) within an inner portion (224) of the C-clamp (214) and a turning handle (222) outside of the C-clamp (214).

In the alternative embodiment of the gun mounting device (200), the attachment bolt (212) is attached to the second arm (216 b). This positions the central beam (202) above the second arm (216 b) during use. When the turning handle (222) is rotated the grip pad (220) moves toward the second arm (216 b) and additionally the attachment bolt (212).

The gun mounting device (200) is shown in the vertical mounting position wherein the C-clamp (214) is in a vertical position. In the vertical mounting position a support item is inserted horizontally into the inner portion (224) of the C-clamp (214). As such, the vertical mounting position allow the gun mounting device (100) to attach to a side of the support item while still allowing the gun to shoot horizontally.

Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a user (270) with a gun mounting device (200) is shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The gun mounting device (200) is attached to a support item (260), presently shown as a fence. A gun (250) is horizontally resting against the gun mounting device (100). The user (270) may then rotate the gun mounting device (200) upon the support item (260) to turn where the gun (250) aims during use. The gun mounting device (200) is portable for the user to pack with their normal hunting equipment and then use anywhere.

The gun mounting device may also be interchangeable between the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a second attachment bolt and swivel head may be connected to the second arm (116 b) along with the attachment bolt attached to the center of the C-clamp (114). This enables the central bar (102) to alternate between being attached to the first arm (116) or the central portion of the C-clamp (114), and enabling the C-clamp (114) to alternate between the horizontal mounting position and the vertical mounting position.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A gun mounting device comprising: a gun rest bridge comprising: a central beam horizontally extending between a pair of cradle bars, where said pair of cradle bars extend vertically from said central beam; and a pair of cradle rests atop said pair of cradle bars, where said pair of cradle rests are U-shaped to accept a barrel of a gun; a C-clamp attached beneath said central beam, where said C-clamp comprises a pair of arms to receive a support item between said pair of arms into a central portion of said C-clamp, where said pair of arms include a first arm and a second arm; a clamp rod threaded through said first arm, where said clamp rod moves in and out of said central portion towards said second arm; a turning handle connected to said clamp rod outside said first arm; and a grip pad connected to said clamp rod opposite to said turning handle; wherein said turning handle rotates to move said grip pad towards said second arm to secure said C-clamp against said support item to provide a stable support for said gun when using said gun mounting device.
 2. The gun mounting device according to claim 1, wherein said central beam is attached to said C-clamp with an attachment bolt with a swivel head to enable said central beam to rotate on said attachment bolt.
 3. The gun mounting device according to claim 2, wherein said attachment bolt is connected to a central portion of said C-clamp to enable said C-clamp to attach to a top portion of said support item during use.
 4. The gun mounting device according to claim 2, wherein said attachment bolt is connected to said second arm of said C-clamp to enable said C-clap to attach to a side portion of said support item during use.
 5. The gun mounting device according to claim 3, wherein said attachment bolt includes a second attachment bolt connected to said second arm to enable said central beam to interchange between being attached to said central portion and said second arm of said C-clamp.
 6. The gun mounting device according to claim 1, wherein said support item is one of at least a box stand, tripod stand, tree climbing stand, truck tailgate, fence, chair, gate or hunting blind. 